OPINION: Why Balaam, Nameere could be reformers of Uganda’s local govts

By Bwayo Emma

President Museveni’s recently announced Cabinet reshuffle generated widespread discussion across the country. While many Ugandans focused on the surprises and political implications of the new appointments, one of the most significant developments was the appointment of Balaam Barugahara as Minister of Local Government and Justine Nameere as State Minister for Local Government.

As a practitioner, I consider this a timely and strategic decision. The Ministry of Local Government occupies a critical position in Uganda’s governance structure because it serves as the bridge between the central government and the people at the grassroots. The effectiveness of local governments directly determines how citizens experience public services, development programmes, and government interventions.

Over the years, local governments have played a vital role in implementing Uganda’s decentralisation policy, which was introduced to bring services closer to the people. Decentralisation was intended to empower local leaders, improve accountability, and accelerate socio-economic development. However, despite these noble objectives, many local governments have struggled with persistent challenges, including corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency, delayed service delivery, and weak accountability mechanisms.

These challenges have often frustrated both elected leaders and ordinary citizens. In the 2021 general elections, many local government leaders lost their positions, partly due to public dissatisfaction with service delivery and governance failures. In many cases, leaders were judged not only by their personal performance but also by the shortcomings of the systems within which they operated.

It is against this background that the appointment of Balaam Barugahara and Justine Nameere should be welcomed. Both are known for their outspoken nature, energy, and ability to engage directly with people. Their leadership styles are characterised by action, visibility, and a willingness to confront difficult issues. At a time when the Ministry of Local Government requires bold leadership to restore public confidence and strengthen accountability, these qualities are essential.

The government has invested heavily in infrastructure development, including roads, electricity, schools, and health facilities. However, the next major battle is improving household incomes and ensuring that government programmes directly benefit ordinary citizens. The Parish Development Model (PDM), one of the government’s flagship poverty alleviation initiatives, has the potential to transform rural livelihoods if implemented effectively. While the programme has registered progress in many areas, challenges such as mismanagement, inadequate supervision, and limited community participation continue to hinder its full impact.

The Ministry of Local Government will play a central role in ensuring that the PDM succeeds. This requires effective coordination from ministers to chief administrative officers, parish chiefs, SACCO leaders, and beneficiaries themselves. Strong oversight and accountability mechanisms are necessary to eliminate the misuse of public resources and ensure that funds reach the intended beneficiaries.

With the no-nonsense approach associated with Balaam Barugahara and Justine Nameere, there is reason to believe that discipline and accountability can be strengthened within local governments. Their appointments present an opportunity to restore public trust and reinvigorate local governance systems across the country.

However, the fight against corruption and inefficiency cannot succeed through enforcement alone. Government must also address the welfare of local government workers. Many public servants continue to face challenges related to low salaries, delayed pensions, inadequate housing, and limited allowances, particularly those serving in hard-to-reach rural areas. Improving the working conditions of local government staff would enhance motivation, professionalism, and service delivery.

Ultimately, the success of Uganda’s local governments depends on both strong leadership and a motivated workforce. If Balaam Barugahara and Justine Nameere combine their energy and determination with meaningful institutional reforms, they could become the catalysts needed to rejuvenate local governance and strengthen service delivery at the grassroots level.

Their appointments come at a critical moment in Uganda’s development journey. The task ahead is demanding, but they appear well-positioned to lead the ministry toward greater accountability, efficiency, and responsiveness to the needs of the people.

The author is the LC5 Chairman for Namisindwa District.